If you are hoping to become a first-time landlord, the process of purchasing and preparing a property to get it ready for a rental can be a daunting one.
Aside from ensuring all of the necessary legal boxes have been ticked, you also have to create an attractive and inviting home that will appeal to tenants who may have plenty of other options to choose from.
Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps you can take which will help you make sure your property is rental-ready to the highest possible standard. Read on to find out more.
Put Your Tenants’ Safety First
The most important thing to focus on when preparing to rent out a house is the safety of your tenants. This means making any vital repairs and renovations in good time before you start listing the property. Start off with structural repairs, including fixing any broken doors and windows, and if there is any damp in the house, it’s crucial that you get it treated and take the appropriate damp-proofing measures to prevent it from coming back. Arguably, the top priorities should be the electrical system and the heating and plumbing. To ensure the house is safe and functioning, call in experienced electricians to assess the wiring and provide you with an EICR Report. Contact a company like Trade Facilities Services, and they can give you all the information you need. Remember – having all of the appropriate safety certificates for your property is crucial.
Make Sure Your Utilities are in Good Working Order
Once all of the major repairs have been completed, it’s time to sort out the utilities, such as the kitchen appliances, the boiler, the washing machine, and all of the sinks, toilets, baths and showers. Not only will this help you attract tenants, but it will also prevent any stress caused after your tenants have moved in. While you are taking care of the amenities, you should also make sure you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms installed throughout the property.
Ensure the Property is Clean and Well-Ventilated
The past few years have served to reiterate the value of cleanliness, good hygiene, and appropriate ventilation in helping to prevent the spread of disease. Hiring professional cleaners to give your new rental a thorough cleaning from top to bottom will make sure there is no stubborn dirt or mould lingering where you may have missed it. A sparkling clean house is also easier to decorate and will make a glowing impression on prospective tenants.
Appeal to A Wide Audience
When it comes to the question of decorating, while you may be tempted to put a personal stamp on the house, you need to remember that this property is not for you to live in – and your prospective tenants will have their own tastes and preferences. That’s why it’s a good idea to decorate in a neutral way to appeal to more people. This means using plain and neutral colours for the walls and floors, as bold hues or garish patterns could prove off-putting. Having a plain ‘canvas’ also makes it easier for you to notice any damage that the property could have sustained while the tenants were living there, so you can charge accordingly.
Once you have finished fixing up and decorating the house and acquired all of the must-have certifications, all you need to do is get your landlord’s insurance, and you can start listing your property.
